We don't have any more ability to test a CO detector than you! Replace the batteries, press the test button and/or buy a new unit if the old one fails. Please don't call 911 unless you have an actual emergency.
> We don't have any more ability to test a CO detector than you!
I'm sure you're technically correct.
But if you want to, then it's easy to test CO detectors. Industries do it all the time. You just buy spray cans with known CO concentrations ("bump gas") and check that they go off when sprayed.
> Please don't call 911 unless you have an actual emergency.
Sure. But if the city decides to prioritize fire safety, then CO detector testing would be a good preventative measure that can be offered to the local residents.
Good CO safety is more than just the detector working. It's also about placement in the room, how many in each apartment/building, etc.
On top of that, the more the fire department interacts with the local residents, the more they can educate them about all kinds of fire safety matters (do you have a fire blanket in easy reach in the kitchen when cooking with oils?).
It also provides a relaxed way of fixing fire hazards (please don't stack unused furniture in front of the fire exit).
